How can I get my puppy to tell he that he needs to go potty? My scotti is 5 months old now and is pretty good about going potty outside but I think it is me that is trained, not him! I am the one trained on a schedule of taking him out. He'll just go in the house never indicating that he has to go (I would like him to start waiting longer than every hour to go potty). When will he start letting me know when he has to go? And, is there any way to train him to go to the door as the signal that its time to go potty?!

fredg

Hi,
Almost 12 yrs ago when we got our puppy Molly, my wife and I were at our wits end about housetraining! After 3 months, we finally said that if she goes in the house one more time, then.....not know what to do with her. All of a sudden, she started going to the back door, wanting out!
We picked her up every time we thought she wanted to go, sat her down by the back door, waited a minute, then let her outside. Eventually, it paid off.
I think persistence is a key word here.
Here is a link with some good tips and suggestions:
http://www.hilltopanimalhospital.com/housebreak2.htm
Look under "Steps in Housebreaking Puppies"
I do wish you and he the very best. I am not a Vet, but just a dog lover for over 50 yrs.

labman

You need to forget the schedule and learn to read the dog. Quite often they need to go out right after they wake from a nap. Just walking around a little, and they need to go. If it quits playing and starts running around sniffing, take it out.

Most of the 14 puppies I have housebroken since 1991 seemed to pick up the go to the door idea. Daisy didn't. I finally started taking her out if she just got near the door or walked by it. I would praise her, and take her out. She quickly caught on. I have suggested this many times and it works for other people too.